The Houston Symphony painted The Post Oak Hotel into a vision of Monet’s Garden, where more than 375 white-tie-clad guests reveled in fine dining, dazzling décor, and spirited dancing. Chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth and Brittany and Adam Clark, the Feb. 1 soirée paid tribute to the arts while introducing the orchestra’s newest leader, Gary Ginstling, to the city’s most ardent supporters.
The impressionist dreamscape was composed of lush floral arches and an ornate photo backdrop — complete with a life-sized gilded frame and a lily pond bridge — blurring the lines between art and reality. Inside, Richard Flowers of The Events Company conjured a scene straight out of Giverny, with emerald backdrops, cascading roses, hydrangeas in soft pastels, and a Monet-inspired Water Lily Pond dance floor.
Attendees sipped and swirled their way through wine pairings from Lindy and John Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods, while Casa Dragones kept the tequila flowing for those craving a bolder kick.
Ginstling, the Symphony’s newly appointed executive director and CEO, made his grand overture alongside his wife, Marta Lederer. The longtime arts leader, who officially began his role the following week, was met with warm warmth as he mingled with guests and shared his enthusiasm for the ensemble’s future.
Also taking center stage were the night’s honorees: Cora Sue Mach, recipient of the Houston Symphony Lifetime Achievement Award, and Franco Valobra, named Community Honoree for his unwavering support of the arts.
The lively spirit of the evening carried onto the dance floor, where Q The Band delivered a high-energy set that had partygoers twirling. In a moment that underscored the ball’s blend of elegance and exuberance, even a line dance broke out — proving that while the affair honored the classics, it wasn’t afraid of a modern twist.
The fundraiser supported the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement Programs, ensuring the organization’s impact extends beyond the concert hall and into the broader Houston community.
Spotted by CultureMap were Betty and Jesse Tutor, Lisa and Eric Lindsey, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobbie Dees, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Margaret Alkek Williams, Ajay Khurana, Drs. Alice Mao and Matt Brams, Tammie and Charles Johnson, Dancie and Jim Ware, Carey Kirkpatrick and Neil Hershey, Liliya and Matt Kades, Mady and Ken Kades, Kirby and David Lodholz, Joan and Bob Duff, Maria and Omar Alaoui, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Bill Stubbs and Kert Gether, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Barbara Burger, Lydia Gold, Janet Clark, and Sharon and Bill Bullock.
Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Jonathan and Ann Ayre.
